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A List Lounge to open in former Bimini Bills location
Demetrius Wright and Donald Jones have big plans for the former Bimini Bills location at 212 S. Ludlow St. in downtown Dayton and it comes with an equally ambitious name — A List Lounge.
The co-owners of the A List Lounge say they are looking to attract the “after five downtown professionals that are 30 and up.”
Wright assures that those who remember Bimini Bills will still recognize the space with it’s handsome brick walls and spacious bar, but there will be many differences as well including the kitchen area which has been converted into a lounge space and a larger dance floor with couches along the walls. Wright explains, “it’s like an upscale lounge and sports bar.”
Wright and Jones currently say they have plans to open sometime during the second week of November.
The Lounge will not have a menu and will be cocktails and drinks only says Wright. Business casual attire will be required for customers and music from the ’80s and ’90s will be showcased. Wright and Jones say they see themselves as similar to another recently opened downtown bar — Sidebar — except for “bigger and we have a dance floor.”
Some things they have planned for visiting A-Listers include a Thursday Latin dance night which will include instruction, an old school night on Friday’s that will include 92.1 FM broadcasting live and karaoke backed by a live band (Dave Speed and Band) on Saturdays.
Wright said he has been doing club promotion for the last 15 years and this has been a long time coming with an active search for an A List Lounge space going on for the the last year-and-a-half.
A List Lounge: 212 S Ludlow St., Dayton. (937) 220-9330
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Comments
By Chuck
October 7, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
There are fewer and fewer professionals downtown Dayton and this is in a bad area. I hope they clean up the garbage on the south side of the building! I dont think this will last a year.By Blah
October 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
I love the over 30 crowd! They have money and don’t get in fights.By Rob
October 7, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Tough time to be starting a club. Good luck to them! Kind of swimming against the Dayton tide though. I really don’t think there are that many 30+ professionals that ‘want’ to remain in Dayton for the evening.By Smart?
October 7, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Not offering any sort of menu fare to ease the amount of alcohol consumed by its patrons? Hope they have the number of a cab company on speed dial! After 5 to me would be cocktails and at least appetizers.By Mr Optimist
October 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
I’ll bet they have a small business loan. Why don’t they put the moeny in a pile, soak it in gas & light a match to it? Same net effect. Our dn tn homeless people could at least warm their hands around the flames.By null
October 7, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
What happened to the couple from Columbus that was going to expand their blueprint/printing business at this location?By Karon
October 7, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
I agree with Mr. Optimist. Thiird place in about 7 years. With the corporate businesses moving away from town and the crime factor rising, they are doomed. Hard to feel sorry for anyone expecting to make it there.By ready to party
October 7, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
I agree with Blah, I love this crowd also. It’s refreshing to still see that some people still trying to remain positive. Best of luck to them.By Cindy
October 7, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
This is just what the over 30 crowd needs. A place to get away when our kids are gone for the weekend where we don’t feel like we’re in a kiddie bar. Whoohoo!!By Brian
October 7, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
As a 30-something professional in Dayton, the last thing I want to do after work is go get wasted with a bunch of yuppies in my business casual attire.By Stefanie
October 7, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Though I hope for the best for the co-owners, I do not see this bar lasting a year. There is already Therapy Cafe, which is an upscale bar. My opinion, Therapy barely gets by. The truth is Downtown Dayton is not the place to be after dark. Too dangerous. Bars come and go and this one will probably follow the trend. It is unfortunate that Dayton has this image.By Kong
October 7, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
There will never be a bar that can replace Bimini’s. I know all of our old regulars and my friends would agree. Good luck to the new owners. I hope they got rid of the smell from the stained carpet we all got use too.. And for those of you who think downtown is too dangerous after dark, when was the last time you were actually down there? The Oregon District is a great place to spend a weekend night. STOP GOING TO THE GREENE!! Put money back into our local economy, and show a little pride in our city.By Oh boy
October 7, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Actually, downtown Dayton is the safest place to be in Dayton, according to the FBI and fed crime stats. Stefanie needs to stop listening to the fear mongers LOL! There are plenty of college kids and young professionals downtown, but the thing is there aren’t enough interesting places. The only thing going against the A List is Location, Location, Location. There is not much going on biz wise in that area. It can work … 30-something professionals yearn for a place to go and they do have cash to spend, and not all of them have heard of or like Therapy cafe. An appetizer menu would be nice.By Grammar Host
October 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Its, a possessive pronoun in the third paragraph, does not contain an apostrophe.By Scotty B Pimpin
October 7, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
This place sounds like a nice place for losers like me. What the hell is with “Grammar Host?” Do you not have anything better to do with your time? Most people online can’t spell or form a sentence correctly. Their all stupid!By Tam
October 7, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Scotty … it should be “They’re all stupid!” not “Their all stupid!” Grammar ROCKS!By @Grammar
October 7, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
It’s, a contraction (it is), DOES require an apostrophe. “Grammar” must be an alum of DPS!By Vonda Shephard
October 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
I hope the get a country nite. We gals in Riverside would luv to whop it up in the cityBy Grammar Host
October 7, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
To the person who, not surprisingly, only half read the third paragraph before shooting off at the mouth, I was referring to this usage of the apostrophe: Wright assures that those who remember Bimini Bills will still recognize the space with it’s handsome brick walls and spacious bar, but there will be many differences as well including the kitchen area which has been converted into a lounge space and a larger dance floor with couches along the walls.By alicia
October 7, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
I agree w/ Kong. Dayton is very safe after dark. I live downtown and have never been worried about going out at night. The Oregon District is a lot of fun and there is always something interesting going on. Good luck to the owners of A-List!By dtrav
October 7, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
I spend a lot of time at downtown bars, I’m a known regular at Dublin Pub and JAlans. The Oregon District is a lot of fun and I never feel unsafe. The downtown restaurants such as Jays and Thai 9 have much better atomsphere and service than the chains at the Greene for example. I cannot stand the absolute lack of customer service I have experienced at the bars around the Greene.By stephen
October 7, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Best of luck! I think it’s great to see people investing in Downtown. It’s what this great city needs to revitalize. Unfortunatley, we also need some corporations and businesses to move in to help patronize the area. Hopefully the leadership in the city will attract some employers to turn the city around, otherwise the restuarants will close due to lack of business.By blu
October 7, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Just what the Dayton area needs…another club? WTF?By Stefanie
October 8, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Well, for those who think Dayton is super safe. Ask those who have been victimized AT NIGHT after going out in the Oregon!By aggrevated
October 9, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
funny how someone buys this bar, willing to pay the bills, yet has nightly events that just won’t work? It’ll be closed in a few months anyway. The old Biminis was fine, brought in enough people and money, except the owner kept the money and never paid the bills. Attn OWNERS: If you wanna really make some money, you should keep it “bimini bills”, hire the old staff and pay the bills. It was by far the best bar in dayton and a ton of people were sad to see it go. Now that something new in there, it’ll never work. People are refusing to go in there, and the fact they are catering to the upscale crowd, whos that? There is nothing upscale about Dayton, and if there is, they go to cinci or c-bus. So to the owners, be smart and change it back to bimini bills bc that the only thing it’ll ever be.By connie
October 10, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
congrats To the new owners of the A list . My group of friends who are 30 and older ,thank you.We have been looking for something in the downtown area after 5:00 pm to do. We remember what the Gem City used to be like back in the day…We will support you and would like to suggest that you serve at least appetizers to help absorb the alcohol. what about the parking situation,do you have a lot or street parking only?By Straight Talk
October 10, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
If your lucky you won’t get the white trash crowd that hung out there before. There were a lot of fights.By Stover
October 10, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
I was one of the many orginal regulars at Bimini’s and to think it is going from the best bar to relax and drink with 150 of your best friends to a bar that you need to make sure that your nose keeps up in the air is SAD!!! If the new owners what to keep their profit up..i suggest keeping it the same!!! you know that saying “if its not broke don’t fix it” its kida like that…get the owners to pay out the money to “fix” the apperence and the old Bimini Bill spirit will come back!! “DRINK BEER @#%# YEHA!!”By Bart Simpson
October 11, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
I remember that bar, it was full of hillbilly’s and steroid abusers. It was a great place to get you teeth kicked in. I was there the night they ran the homeless black guy down and kicked his teeth out in the street. I hope the new owners keep the dirty white trash people out of there that used to hang out there!By citygrl
October 13, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
To the people who think downtown Dayton is unsafe: I lived right on 5th St in the middle of the Oregon District for a year (walking everywhere I went) and have worked in two of the bars for several now, one in the Oregon and one downtown several blocks away. Never had a single problem. If you’re out after dark, go with a friend! Not that complicated. As for the new club, what’s left of the 30-something business crowd is not going to support your business. People are going to miss the Bimini Bills atmosphere where it was more about having a good time with your friends and being yourself than about worrying how you’ll measure up to the “upscale, 30 and up business casual” crowd.By Show
October 13, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
I was an original regular at Bill’s, and worked there for over 3 years. In that time there was many “changes”, some good, some bad. One thing stayed the same, the staff, AND the patrons stayed loyal and kept that place running, and in check. To you Mr. Bart Simpson, do you even know what went on that night? That “homeless” guy, wasn’t homeless, he was a regular at Bill’s, that would touch the girls, push drugs, and I know I personally bared him many times. That night after we kicked him out, he said he was going to go shoot up, get his gun and come back and shoot everyone. When he DID come back myself and other staff pushed everyone inside, and we tried to diffuse the situation. The patrons took it upon themselves to intervene and “chase” him down, off of our property, not STAFF. Sad but true, he was a victim of street justice, NOT hillbilly steroid abuser staff beating teeth in type justice. We prided ourselves on being the “nice” bouncers and not bulling people. Too many times we would get hit while taking care of a situation, and not hit back. So check your story before you talk bad about a place that MANY called a home and family! With that being said, new owners. As you can read from others, Bill’s was more than a bar. We had an amazing following that stayed there for us through thick and thin. The staff was the best that I have ever seen or dreamed of. Downtown “can” be dangerous, but it is all about how you handle yourself, what image you project, and if you have respect. Due to the staff and reputation of Bill’s we had very little problems. The community was behind us, the police were behind us, and more importantly the people were behind us. It is sad when an owner has a gem like that and fails to recognize it, and rather pocket the money for “other” things, than pay bills, staff, and products. I think it’s important for you, the new owners, to know what type of place you bought, and realize that inadvertently you stepped on a lot of toes and hearts in doing this project. I wish you luck, but I know that until that place becomes a home again, you will not succeed.By Skippy D
October 13, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Show, you are the man! I completly agree with you. The A list will not survive as a bar unless it is bills again.By Samurai
October 13, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Sounds like another Theropy Cafe. Show its like Biminis turned into a Zombie, a weird yippie zombie its just not the same loving place. Let it burn.By Chels
October 13, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
I love you too show and I loved Bimini Bills. We all had a blast there. I miss it and I think that’s what we need not some 30 something place. As far as Dayton being dangerous, I’ve lived close to downtown for 5 years and I’ve walke dthose street plenty of time, I have never been scared or hurt. BRING BIMINI BILLS BACK.By meat ball
October 13, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
seems like there are a bunch of haters out there, who never had the guts or know how to start there own business and whether there was food being served or renaming it bimini bills you still were not going to go support the new business, so shut up and get a life and when you hear this place is the talk of the town do the owners a favor and write about that LOLBy meat ball
October 13, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
seems like there are a bunch of haters out there, who never had the guts or know how to start there own business and whether there was food being served or renaming it bimini bills you still were not going to go support the new business, so shut up and get a life and when you hear this place is the talk of the town do the owners a favor and write about that LOLBy re. meatball
October 13, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
we arent hating, we’re just saying an upscale bar wont work. Has any in dayton worked? Dayton isn’t an upscale place and I’m sure the upscale people that there are dont want to go out in the supposed dangerous city at night. As for starting a biz, the owner is the owner of the Yellow Rose. He drove Biminis into the ground on purpose. Didnt pay the bills and only wanted to sell it to make more money than what he bought it for, so get it straight. He knows how to do biz. And about hearing this place be the talk of the town, we’ll all be dead and gone by then. The only thing we’ll be hearing is “a-list closes its doors after XX months”. If you want to cater to the upscale people, go to cinci or c-bus, bc you know thats where they are going. get it straight.By about time!
October 13, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
I have to say, I used to be a regular at “Bimini Bills” but decided that the crowd that just went out to get wasted, look like smut, and get in fights was too much to handle anymore. “BBs” brought in a huge crowd, yes, but they were smutty girls and sleezy guys looking to pick up a girl. THEN they decided to turn one of the best nights to go out into a Metal night? I am glad that the A-List is going to be directed towards a more mature crowd who’s goal isn’t to see how many DJ’s they can get to come in and see how many DUI’s and intox’s they can rack up between them! It is about time that we clean up the area, create more mature and classic entertainment in Downtown Dayton. It looks like A-list is going to have a rough time with so many people upset at “BB’s” misfortunate loss, but guess what… They can just pack up their crew and move down the street to where half of them work anyways! Best of luck!By re-about time
October 13, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Keriann, SHUT UP!! lolBy about time!
October 13, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
It’s not Bimini Bills anymore… People can’t disrespect people for being the first to buy up the space. If you want Bimini Bills again, then buy a space, start it up, and get the same people to come back…That easy… If you wanted it, you should have bought the space first. Ned’s or Sloopy’s can be “home” if you just get the people to come out like they did Bimini’s.By rere-about time
October 13, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
You’re right to buy it, but it was too expensive. All we’re saying is that a upscale bar wont work in Dayton and it wont work bc of the spot it’s in. You’ll see, I’m just saying.By about time!
October 14, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Like I said, if it doesn’t work, that’s how it’ll go for the new owners. Space is expensive, yes, so just bring back the regulars to another place already established and make it the greatest place to go in the OD. Ask them to change THEIR name! lol…These are difficult times and for somebody to try and start a bar/club is really risky, but if it is their dream, then respect their ambition. No place ever stays the same as it is the day it starts, so just give it a while and if you really believe that the building is the “home” for the friends that go out, then I am sure it will find a way to adapt itself to the desires of the crowd it brings in. To protest against them because they won’t change the name and keep it how it used to be shows no respect for the new owners. I’m just saying.By R
October 14, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Hey people…I don’t wanna dis anybody here. I agree with different points made by different people. Yeah, you gotta respect somebody for trying to realize a dream, but if you’re gonna succeed @ your dream you gotta be realistic, too. As someone who works downtown, I can tell you from firsthand experience that the 30-something business crowd is one of dwindling numbers in Dayton. If you’re going to open a club and gear it towards them as your main clientele, Dayton is not the place to do it. It’s a sad truth, but truth nonetheless. The business crowd is LEAVING Dayton in droves rather then coming in. (Reynolds and Reynolds, anyone?) Bimini Bills worked and gained such a passionate following because it wasn’t exclusive. People didn’t have to dress up or pretend. They could be who they were, do what they wanted-dress up/dress down, get drunk/not drink, dance/chill, sing/listen…whatever. Mostly just be with friends and have a good time. You can’t fault people for missing that. It’s too bad the old owner was what he was. Lol as far as the slutty girls and sleazy guys comment went, that’s just funny. I really did laugh out loud. You won’t find a bar without a few of each! Don’t you know they’re attracted to alcohol? Bimini’s had a very low population of them. You can’t generalize all the patrons of the old bar into those categories. And you’re silly if you think the new club won’t have its own set! They’ll just be older and therefore slightly more pathetic.By meat ball
October 14, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
I went to the A list exclusive grand opening this past weekend and it was the bomb!!! I thought I was in NY there were well over 300 people on the inside and another 100 trying to get in, every one was dressed nice and had a great time, so don’t judge it to you try it. One thing for sure Ill be back for the grand re openingBy re: meatball
October 14, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
haha sure you did, and sure there was..By about time
October 14, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Honestly, why do you care what people do with their money? They want to do something, you don’t like it, but you have no room to judge because you didn’t buy the place. You aren’t going to lose money if it crashes.By meat ball
October 14, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
An then monkeys flew out of my anus.By about time
October 14, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
I mean c’mon I take it up the rear and you don’t see me bitchin!By meatball & about time
October 14, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
hey you guys, did u read what “R” wrote. That seems to be on point with everything. Way to go “R”! Very insightful.By meat ball
October 14, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
hey re you seem to be a big loser who spend your time hating on what other people do and like!! How about you go open up that lemonade stand on dixie dr that you always dreamed about clown lolBy upscale? ha!
October 15, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
THIS WILL NEVER WORK!! All of us 30+ “upscale” people go to The Greene! Why would we wanna go to crummy Dayton? What a waste of time! Sounds like the people who were apart of “bimini bills” really loved that place. If they wanted to open up something for the upscale people, then why didnt they open it at The Greene?By R
October 15, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Great idea. The Greene needs another pretentious bar. Put it there.By really?
October 15, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
sounds like dave iz bitter cuz he used to work there! sorry bout cha luck!By hopeful
October 17, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
bring back Biminis!! That was my favorite bar!By Real Deal
October 30, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
You have to love a good old fashioned debate. Please note: Everyone, as I always remind people; hate is a waisted emotion. Thank the Lord that we all have choices, from the looks of things the A List will be around for quite some time. The 30+ reputation is merely a way to keep the younger, classless & disrespectful crowd uninterested in coming. The term “upscale” when it relates to a lounge is the reflection of the the ambiance and the atmosphere that the lounge offers; and yes it is an upscale lounge. One BIG problem is that this city severly suffers from the the smothering blanket of racism and classism. As soon as people found out that the ownership was minority again people; we have choices. As for the supporters of the original Bimini Bills; people please understand if everything was going so great and you all were really great customers the owner never would have sold the place. If your going to hate anybody, hate yourselves.(Sound Logical?) For you supporters of the Greene; They have enough bars at the Greene, not to mention the Greene will never be able to contribute to the pulse of our city. If you all take your time to educate yourselves, you will find that the great cities of our country, and the thriving cities all have a strong pulse of businesses and consumer participation in their downtown/uptown areas. Bravo for all of the business owners in the heart of our city (Downtown) who are being part of the solution and not part of the problem. Thanks to the owners of the A List for helping to revive our city, that seems to be full of hate these days.By Mamasita
November 6, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
I say to all them HATERS.. the middle finger.. I say big ups to you.. we need a 30’s place out here..